The Hawkesbury River system is a major social, environmental and economic asset for the state of New South Wales. Located on the doorstep of the Greater Sydney, the river system the largest one of the largest in the state, and encompasses the Hawksbury-Nepean River, Pittwater, Brisbane Water and Broken Bay. The river system provides a stunning natural environment, areas of cultural significance, a multitude of social and recreational benefits, and is a key contributor to the regional economy.

In accordance with the NSW Coastal Management Framework, management of the estuary system and its tributaries will be guided by a Coastal Management Program (CMP). The six (6) councils that border the tidal waterways of the system have agreed to work together to develop an integrated, whole of system CMP that will set the long-term strategy for the coordinated management of the system and its catchment.

In September 2019, the combined team of Water Technology and Molino Stewart was commissioned by the Project Steering Committee to deliver Stage 1 of this CMP. The project is one of the biggest of its kind, and will involve collaboration between all councils and other public authorities that have management responsibilities across the Hawksbury-Nepean River system; including 6 estuary Councils, 18 catchment Councils, and over 20 state government agencies.